Cuban and Suns Governor Eye Million Dollar All Star Prizes

Merlin sees Phoenix governor Mat Ishbia offering $1 million prizes for the winners of the 2027 Slam Dunk and 3-Point contests, with matching $1 million charity gifts, and Dallas owner Mark Cuban saying he "offered the same thing years ago" but was told it would be tampering. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst warned it "would run into some red tape" because the current CBA pays far less—dunk winner $100,000, 3-point champ $60,000—so big cash incentives would require league and union changes. Big money could pull more stars into All-Star Weekend and change how players view exhibition events. Merlin senses equal parts showmanship and paperwork. Owners want spectacle, yet the CBA and tampering rules are real. Expect proposals framed as charity guarantees, league-approved appearance fees, or negotiated CBA tweaks. Ishbia’s "Done. Let's get the best guys in it. Let's make it awesome" is an invitation; whether the league answers will reveal how far owners can stretch the rules.